Laura Imbruglia

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   Yes, Laura is Natalie Imbruglia's younger sister. Although, a surname is about the only thing they have in common. While Natalie gallivants around the world making bad movies and selling face cream, Laura has been playing gigs in small pubs all over Sydney , slowly building up a devoted following. Laura Imbruglia's music is a strange mix of gorgeous harmonies, Indie minimalism and witty lyrics. Laura is kind of like the Australian Jenny Wilson , only she doesn't try as hard and has a better voice. Imbuglia Jr is not your typical pop trash diva. She can actually play an instrument, is yet to release a tragic dance remix and still has her own breasts. Laura’s pop trash sensibility is demonstrated, rather, by her knack for writing songs about topics that we can identify with - like being a homebody, whoring on the internet, dreaming about white goods and working with gay vegans! Furthermore, anyone who dedicates their music to The Carpenters is obviously not your typical Indie troll.

Crunchy Noise

Laura's first came to attention of music fans with her gorgeous debut EP "It Makes A Crunchy Noise". Every song on the EP is a winner. Some of the highlights include Laura's internet dating opus, "Don't Stray From My Site". Laura's fear of ending up an MSN buddy is surely universal! Another favourite is "Ornithophobia", otherwise known as "The Cicada Song". It is safe to say that this is the only song to ever rhyme "exoskeleton parts" with "insect heart". If that sounds too weird for you, Laura's ode to gay vegans, "Lettuce & Anarchists", is highly recommended. It's gorgeous and hilarious. 

  

  
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Magical Washing Machine

Laura’s won a whole new group of fans with her second EP "My Dream Of A Magical Washing Machine". Laura's sound changed quite radically from her debut EP, which was an acoustic set dedicated to the Carpenters. This time around, the most talented Imbruglia sister pays homage to Freddie Mercury (see the "Ready Freddie" label on the single cover). The result is a more robust sound that still remains true to Laura's unique brand of harmony drenched, literate pop. The title track also appears on Laura's brilliant debut album and stands out as a genuine pop oddity. It goes without saying that this is the only song ever written about "a washing machine that doubles as a jukebox". It's also highly likely that it is the only ditty to name check both the Pet Shop Boys and Russell Crowe's band, 30 Odd Foot Of Grunt. While there are many acts that specialise in bizarre and obtuse lyrics, Laura never lets her quirkiness interfere with a catchy chorus or sweet melody - unlike a latter day Tori Amos or Bjork, to name just two regular culprits. For that reason alone, Laura Imbruglia stands out as a shiny oasis in the putrid sea of pretentious singer/songwriters.

Bird Killer

If the song "My Dream Of A Magical Washing Machine" is a respectful nod to Freddie, then "Two Cockatoos" is very much a throwback to her first, Carpenters inspired EP. The song is little more than a demo that was recorded in Laura's home but it stands out as one of the most arresting songs that she has released. Basically, Laura has written a gorgeous little song about killing her mentally ill bird because it refused to drink tap water. It sounds wrong on so many levels but "Two Cockatoos" is a demented masterpiece. If you ignore Laura's heavy Australian accent and the bizarre lyrics, "Two Cockatoos" could easily be mistaken for the kind of gentle guitar pop that was being churned out en masse in California in the 1970s. The chirping bird sounds and harmonic backing vocals bring forth images of another place and time.

Debut Album

Laura finally released her much anticipated self-titled debut album in late 2006. The album features a couple of songs from Laura’s EPs as well as 10 new tracks. The new material is uniformly excellent but “Tear Ducts”, “Hurt My Feelings” and “Home Sweet Home” standout. The latter is a particular highlight. “Home Sweet Home” is an anthem for homebodies, which sings the praises of occasionally staying hone and listening to The Carpenters. The song is sweet, demented and completely original – just like Laura herself.

Publicity Queen

If you’re still not convinced, check out poster pictured above. Laura's image as the Australian Napoleon Dynamite is absolutely inspired. Her latest stroke of genius is this amazing flyer, which graced the Sydney street press. Ms Imbruglia has taken craptastic publicity to previously unimagined new heights. Even La Toya Jackson would draw the line at giving Microsoft Paint a shout out! Laura, we salute you.

- Mike

  

 

 

 

 

 Looking For A Rabbit (Live)

 

 

 

 

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